Auckland, New Zealand – October 17, 2025

In the vibrant heart of Auckland, where the echoes of Pasifika pride resonate through every haka and every heartfelt fa’a Samoa, Toa Samoa is gearing up for a battle that transcends the field—it’s a celebration of heritage, resilience, and unbreakable bonds. Head Coach Ben Gardiner stepped before the media today, radiating the quiet confidence of a leader who knows the power of unity, as his squad prepares for Sunday’s highly anticipated Test match against the New Zealand Kiwis at Go Media Stadium.

With preparation time at a premium, Gardiner emphasized the strength drawn from the team’s enduring core, a group forged through seasons of shared triumphs and trials. “It’s been great to come into camp and have a fairly consistent group of players from the last two years,” he shared. “We’ve made a few changes since last year, but a number of these boys have played together before. Over time, we’ve been able to build a strong core group, and it’s exciting to take the field with such a solid side.”

A standout addition stirring waves of excitement is premiership-winning powerhouse Payne Haas, whose arrival infuses the camp with fresh energy rooted in cultural reconnection. Gardiner didn’t hold back on his praise: “He hasn’t exceeded my expectations because I already know how good he is,” he said with a smile. “At training, he’s been full of joy, bringing a lot of love to the boys, and they’ve done the same for him. It’s been special to see him reconnect with his culture and heritage—that’s what this opportunity is really about.”

The conversation that brought Haas into the blue jersey wasn’t a hard sell; it was a heartfelt alignment of values. “It wasn’t about convincing him,” Gardiner explained. “It was about showing what our camp represents: professionalism, culture, faith, and high performance. We’ve been building something strong, and Payne connected with that. He made his decision based on where his heart is.”

At the helm stands captain Jarome Luai, whose growth as a leader mirrors the evolution of Toa Samoa itself—mature, dynamic, and inspiring. “Jarome has matured a lot over the past 12 months,” Gardiner noted. “He’s led a team week to week in the NRL and brought that leadership into camp. He’s got this energy that lifts everyone at training and in meetings. I’m really looking forward to seeing him express that leadership on the field.”

Gardiner also highlighted the budding synergy between Luai and Blaize Talagi, a partnership blooming with promise. With a chuckle, he added, “It’s been intentional, getting them back together again. They’ve been building great cohesion, and it’s exciting to see how that develops heading into this weekend and beyond.”

While injury sidelined Taylan May, Gardiner viewed it as a testament to the team’s depth and the relentless nature of the game. “Unfortunately, that’s rugby league,” he said. “We’ve built good depth, so if someone’s unavailable, there’s always another player ready to step in.”

Questions about the Rugby League World Cup lingered, but Gardiner steered the focus back to the immediate horizon. “Right now, it’s about this moment, this game, and how we go about our business at Go Media Stadium,” he affirmed. “We’ve been planning long-term, but our attention is on putting our best performance out there this weekend.”

Reflecting on the recent fan day and cultural exchanges with the Māori community, Gardiner painted a picture of profound connection. “It was a great experience to connect to culture,” he said. “To be part of the ‘ava ceremony and connect with Māori and New Zealand culture was really special. Our boys draw energy from the fans—it’s a privilege and a responsibility for us to inspire the next generation to wear the blue jersey.”

This squad’s unique bond, Gardiner reminded, is a fleeting treasure. “Every group is special; this exact group of players and staff will only ever be together once,” he reflected. “So we talk about living in the moment, taking it all in, and enjoying every opportunity that comes our way.”

To the fans, his message was a rallying cry infused with Pasifika passion: “It’s a great opportunity this weekend to come out and support your team. We need that same energy we saw at fan day—the horns, the music, the flags, the blue jerseys. The bigger the crowd, the better the occasion.”

He evoked memories of the last electrifying clash, where a sea of blue flags transformed the stadium into a fortress of pride. “When we came out for warm-up, I remember seeing so many blue flags waving—it was mind-blowing. I’m really looking forward to seeing that again on Sunday.”